Virgin Palm Oil is palm oil that is traditionally made and maintains the natural nutrients of carotenes (precursors to Vitamin A) and the antioxidant tocotrienols (Vitamin E). Typical RBD (Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized) palm oil has these nutrients stripped from them resulting in a clear oil. In its natural state, palm oil is red in color due to a high concentration of carotenes and tocols. Palm oil comes from a tropical palm tree (elaeis guineensis - NOT the same as coconut palm trees), which is native to the tropical areas of Africa, where it grows wild.

I decided to try some Date Scotties with the Virgin Palm Oil. They turned out really good. The Virgin Palm Oil is kind of pumpkin colored, so that’s why these bars are kind of orange. I really didn’t notice that it has any different flavor than any other type of fat you would cook with.

Date Scotties

1 cup chopped dates

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup Virgin Palm Oil

1 cup oats

3 tablespoons milk

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium pan heat the dates, 1/3 cup sugar and the water until it starts to thicken. Add the lemon juice and set aside.

In a bowl whisk the flour and salt. Cut in the virgin palm oil until it has fine crumbs. Add the oats then mix in the milk. Pat half of the mixture into an 8x8 inch pan. Spread the date mixture over the top then sprinkle with the rest of the crumb mixture. Pat it down a little. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool, then cut into bars.

Excellent, kitchen-tested recipes can be found on the Tropical traditions blog. Just search under~Virgin Palm Oil

Tropical Traditions is giving one lucky Songberries follower the same (32 oz) Virgin Palm Oil To enter you must be a follower of Songberries and visit Tropical Traditionsand tell me something you learned or something else you like, leave me a comment telling me!